Ultraviolet sterilization device

Abstract

An apparatus for irradiation of a fluid with UV light includes a tubular body consisting of UV-permeable material. The body includes a fluid chamber and openings for passage of fluid. A UV source is provided to subject the chamber to the UV light. Light baffles define an irradiated section of the chamber to prevent light penetration beyond the irradiated section while permitting the fluid to flow through. The apparatus is provided as a component in a housing having a modular design. The modules include a back cover for surface mounting. The body is mounted to the back cover. An inner cover is attached to the back cover. The inner cover includes the UV source and modular electronics. A front cover is attached to the inner and back cover. Heat sink elements are provided to control the heat produced in the apparatus.

1. An apparatus for irradiation of a fluid with UV light comprising:
 a vertical tubular body formed of a material which is UV-permeable, said tubular body including an inner surface defining a fluid chamber, and an open first end and an open second end for ingress and egress of the fluid through said fluid chamber; 
 a U-shaped radiation source for producing UV light arranged outside relative to said tubular body to subject said fluid chamber to the UV light, said radiation source including an upper end and a lower end, with filaments positioned in said upper end; 
 an active cooling feature for cooling the radiation source in contact with said lower end of said radiation source; and 
 a reflector arranged relative to said radiation source to direct light emitted from said radiation source toward said fluid chamber, said reflector including heat dissipating elements disposed on an outside thereof. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said active cooling feature includes a heat sink. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said radiation source is a pair of parallel UV lamps. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said pair of parallel UV lamps are positioned on opposite sides of said tubular body. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said heat dissipating elements are oriented vertically. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said active cooling feature includes a fan, said fan being positioned so as to direct air onto said heat sink. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus for irradiation of a fluid with UV light comprising:
 a vertical tubular body consisting of a material which is UV-permeable, said tubular body including an inner surface defining a fluid chamber, an open first end and an open second end for ingress and egress of the fluid through said fluid chamber; 
 a U-shaped radiation source having a first end at an upper end thereof and a second end opposite said first end, for producing UV light arranged outside relative to said tubular body as to subject said fluid chamber to the UV light, wherein said first end includes filaments and said second end includes a heat sink in contact therewith, wherein said heat sink is actively cooled, and 
 a reflector arranged relative to said radiation source to direct light emitted from said radiation source toward said fluid chamber, said reflector including heat dissipating elements disposed on an outside thereof. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said radiation source is a pair of UV lamps. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising one or more fan positioned so as to direct airflow onto said heat sink of each of said pair of UV lamps. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein a heat conductive material is provided between each respective said heat sink and said UV lamp. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a flow sensor to sense fluid flow through said apparatus and generate a signal based on the fluid flow, said signal being used to control said filament by dimming said radiation source during a period of low fluid flow through said apparatus and reduce heat generation thereby.